Still seems like it would end up pushing a rope sometimes... are the leaders something extra stiff?

The bar features R3's patented Helix Force Tension system, you can read more on it on the Ocean Rodeo website. However, in summary, the back lines are held under tension so that the system isn't pushing at all, the lines are being pulled regardless of back line tension. This helps when on the beach rigging and is crucial when on the water with slack lines from a crash or otherwise...

However, to address your question, on a traditional front line trim bar when you've taken 6-9 inches of trim out, you've actually only shortened the front lines by 3-4.5 inches as the trim line is a 2:1 pulley.

I use Slingshot Sentinel bars (which have a 2:1 pulley system) with the trim blocks (the positions of which are adjustable off the water) set at ~7" from the swivel therefore allowing the front lines to be shortened by ~7 inches.

However, to address your question, on a traditional front line trim bar when you've taken 6-9 inches of trim out, you've actually only shortened the front lines by 3-4.5 inches as the trim line is a 2:1 pulley.

I use Slingshot Sentinel bars (which have a 2:1 pulley system) with the trim blocks (the positions of which are adjustable off the water) set at ~7" from the swivel therefore allowing the front lines to be shortened by ~7 inches.

Yes, that's correct. However, to achieve that you will have 14" of trim line hanging down off the cleat when fully depowered.

However, to address your question, on a traditional front line trim bar when you've taken 6-9 inches of trim out, you've actually only shortened the front lines by 3-4.5 inches as the trim line is a 2:1 pulley.

I use Slingshot Sentinel bars (which have a 2:1 pulley system) with the trim blocks (the positions of which are adjustable off the water) set at ~7" from the swivel therefore allowing the front lines to be shortened by ~7 inches.

Yes, that's correct. However, to achieve that you will have 14" of trim line hanging down off the cleat when fully depowered.

If you don't attach the trim line magnetically to the trim block, yes.